It annoyed him--a Chairman of Quarter Sessions for close upon twenty
years--to be told that the science of criminology was yet in its
infancy; and he glanced mischievously at the Canon, who might be
supposed to have a professional quarrel with scientific men. But the
Canon was a wary fighter and no waster of powder and shot.

"Well, well," said he, "I don't see what harm it can do, or what good.
If the Home Secretary wants his Composite Photograph, let him have it.
The only question is, Have we a photographer who knows how to make one?
Or must we send the negatives up to Whitehall?"


So the Visiting Justices sent for the local photographer and consulted
him. And he, being a clever fellow, declared it was easy enough--
a mere question of care in superimposing the negatives. He had never
actually made the experiment; his clients (so he called his customers)
preferring to be photographed singly or in family groups. But he asked
to be given a trial, and suggested (to be on the safe side) preparing
two or three of these composite prints, between which the Justices might
choose at their next meeting.


This was resolved, and the resolution entered in the minutes; and next
day the photographer set to work. Some of the prisoners resisted and
"made faces" in front of the camera, squinting and pulling the most
horrible mouths. A female shoplifter sat under protest, because she was
not allowed to send home for an evening gown. But the most consented
obediently, and Jim Tresize even asked for a copy to take home to his
wife.